can't find the outer tie rod

[67wtc]

I'm the guy from a few posting earlier with a 96 windstar experiencing a vibration coming from the r.rotor/strut area. I got a response from someone who said they had a somewhat similar problem and they changed the out tie rod. Does anyone know where to find it? I'm using instructions and info from the Auto Zone site and I can't seem to find it anywhere. Any help on finding this or any other suggestions on what the problem might be is most appreciated as I cringe at the thought of having to shell out money for a trip to the mechanic.

[phordguy]

Before you go and buy a tierod and have to spend money to install it, then more money to align the front end and set the toe, jack up the van and with that wheel off the ground, put your a hand on the 9 and 3 o-clock position and wiggle it, if its tight you don't need a tierod. If there is any slop or "play" as most folks call it you could have a need for an inner or outer tierod end. Most manufacturers have a spec but I've always seen all the mechanics have a zero play tolerance policy. If there is any play with only your hands wiggling it, imagine what its like at 60 mph going down the road with the extra forces of the van and the road.

While you have that tire up in the air get a 2x4 or other similar prybar and see if there is any wiggle or play prying up on the tire from the floor. If there is any vertical slop that is the ball joint. While you could probably swap a tie rod end, a ball joint is a mechanic job no doubt.

Good luck and happy holiday weekend

[wiswind]

One thing to check before replacing any parts.....
There is a metal cover.....like a splash guard that covers the inside, lower part of the front rotor on each front wheel. I bumped one while doing a brake job....and it was just barely touching the outer edge of the rotor.
It made a LOT of noise. The fix was to simply bend it back out very slightly.
It is worth checking to see if this might be the source of your noise....as it is easy, and costs nothing.

There is a top and bottom shield, and I wonder if one of them might have been bent just a bit when you were working on the strut / spring assembly.

I have pictures of my front brakes, and you will be able to see a little bit of the shields in several of the pictures for the front brakes.

http://community.webshots.com/album/201931518cScpNK

Autozone's tie rod instructions...
Not sure if this link will work......
http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBr...3d801d3cd1.jsp

If the link does not work....
autozone website, repair guides, 1996, Ford Truck, windstar, suspension and steering, tie rod end.

The link that you posted in your first message lists the "Tie Rod to front hub / spindle NUT", Item # 22
They do NOT list the tie rod end in the parts list, but if you look at "view B" in your link (front suspension), it is right above the circled "16" that identifies the "front suspension lower arm"

They call this part (item #22 in your link) " Tie rod end Castle Nut" in the link that I listed.

The tie rod end is on the rear of the hub / spindle unit, on the end of the rod that comes from the steering rack. It is just about even with the rear edge of the front brake rotor.

[dougand3]

Tie rod end pic here...98 3.8L

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=425515